spoof
spoof — noun
- spoofsingular
- spoofsplural
1. a film, book, or show that copies a well-known work's style in a funny, exaggera
a film, book, or show that copies a well-known work's style in a funny, exaggerated way, often making the original look silly
The movie is a spoof of old spy films, with silly gadgets and over-the-top chase scenes.
collocation: a spoof of [genre/work]
Devika's comedy sketch was a brilliant spoof of reality TV shows like the ones about cooking competitions.
A popular YouTube channel created a spoof of classic fairy tales, turning them into modern city stories.
The student theatre group put on a spoof of the school's morning announcements that had everyone in tears from laughing.
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' + the name of the work or genre being copied.
常見錯誤
spoof — verb
- spoofpresent simple I / you / we / they
- spoofs3rd person singular
- spoofing-ing form
- spoofedpast simple
1. to copy a well-known person or work by exaggerating their style for comedic effe
to copy a well-known person or work by exaggerating their style for comedic effect, without meaning to offend
The comedy troupe spoofed the CEO's speech by exaggerating his hand gestures and serious tone.
pattern: spoof + [person's speech/style]
Asher loves to spoof his favourite sci-fi movies in short videos he makes with his cousins at weekends.
The late-night TV host spoofed the latest superhero film with a hilarious trailer that swapped villains for kittens.
Tariq spoofed the way the tour guide spoke, using the same phrases with a Dutch accent that made everyone grin.
文法句型
spoof + [person/work/style]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2 (MOCK), this sense carries no intended meanness — the aim is shared laughter, not humiliation. Frequently used in entertainment contexts.
常見錯誤
2. to copy someone's voice or behaviour in a way that makes them seem stupid, delib
to copy someone's voice or behaviour in a way that makes them seem stupid, deliberately trying to upset them
A group of classmates spoofed Dewi's accent until the teacher told them to stop and apologise.
pattern: spoof + [someone's characteristic] with harmful intent
The comedian was criticised for spoofing the singer's speech difficulty during the live show.
Heather felt hurt when her friends spoofed the way she walked, pulling funny faces behind her back.
Mei's classmates spoofed her accent in the hallway, so she stopped joining group discussions.
- praise
the opposite of making fun of someone
文法句型
spoof + [person/characteristic]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (PARODY): this sense targets a person's genuine traits or limitations, not a work or performance. The intention is to embarrass, not to entertain together.
常見錯誤
❌ 'They just spoofed him for fun — no harm meant.' — if the target felt hurt, this sense applies. Use sense 1 (PARODY) only when the target is in on the joke.
3. to trick someone into believing something false as a joke, without causing any r
to trick someone into believing something false as a joke, without causing any real harm
Paloma spoofed her younger brother into thinking the garden shed was haunted by playing spooky sounds from her phone.
pattern: spoof + [person] + into + [doing something]
The children spoofed the substitute teacher into believing that Friday was national fancy-dress day at school.
Eleni spoofed her flatmate into thinking the landlord had won the lottery and was waiving the rent.
Takeshi spoofed his friends into believing he had run into a famous singer at the corner café near the station.
- enlighten
to tell someone the truth instead of deceiving them
文法句型
spoof + [person] + into + [doing something]
用法筆記
Frequently used in the pattern 'spoof someone into doing something'. Unlike sense 4 (FAKE CALL/EMAIL), this sense is harmless — everyone laughs when the truth comes out. No financial or legal consequences.
常見錯誤
4. to disguise the true origin of a digital message or caller identity so that it s
to disguise the true origin of a digital message or caller identity so that it seems to come from a legitimate party, typically to commit fraud
Hackers spoofed the company's email address to send fake invoices with altered payment details to clients overseas.
pattern: spoof + [email address/phone number] for fraud
The bank warned elderly customers about calls where scammers spoof the bank's official phone number to ask for passwords.
Allison discovered someone had spoofed her phone number to call her own mother and ask for money.
The IT team blocked a spoofed email that tried to request a large wire transfer to a fake vendor account.
- forge
broader — you can forge a signature or document; 'spoof' in this sense is specific to digital identity
文法句型
spoof + [phone number/email address/sender identity]
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in cybersecurity and fraud-prevention contexts. Unlike sense 3 (DECEIVE JOKINGLY), this is not a harmless prank — victims can lose money or sensitive data. Passive form is common: 'the number was spoofed'.
常見錯誤
❌ 'They spoofed a phone number for a prank.' — if the prank is harmless, use sense 3 (DECEIVE JOKINGLY). Sense 4 implies a fraud or security risk.